Faith Ndou
MASVINGO CITY-Victoria High School Deputy Head Rumbidzayi Muzunze who is under fire for procuring mattresses, desks, chairs and other essentials for learners has said this was done to avert a crisis.
The Midweek Watch is possession of the 42 page audit report.
Muzunze who is facing allegations of improper procurement procedures said she made the urgent purchase as the school risked being closed by health authorities due to poor facilities and bedding for learners.
The controversy follows a letter dated 5 December 2024, in which Masvingo City Council’s Environmental Health Officer ordered the immediate shutdown of the school’s boarding section.
The department cited failure to meet minimum public health standards as stipulated under the Public Health Act (Chapter 15:17, Section 104). Deficiencies pointed out included poor structural conditions of walls, floors, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, water supply and sanitation.
As the school moved to address these concerns, Muzunze found herself at the centre of a separate inquiry into alleged procurement irregularities.
An audit was conducted between 21 and 25 July 2025, initiated at the request of the Permanent Secretary. The probe was carried out in line with the Education Amendment Act of 2020, particularly Section 38(5) and Section 66(c) and (d) which empower the Secretary to order audits of the School Services Fund and the School Development Association Fund.
The allegations stemmed from the school’s procurement of additional furniture and mattresses for incoming Form One and Lower Six learners following a realisation that there was a severe shortage of desks, chairs and bedding.
According to the audit findings, the school intended to purchase 200 mattresses, 300 desks and chairs for Form One, and 150 desks and chairs for Lower Six. Contracts for 200 chairs and desks were awarded to Cripston Investment and Priority Africa at US$5 500 each, totalling US$11 000.
Muzunze, however insists that the procurement was above board and driven by urgent need.
She explained that the Procurement Committee used available catalogues for mattresses and later solicited quotations from listed companies. The school, she said, ensured that purchases matched funds collected from parents to avoid delaying preparations for incoming learners.
“We did not split the tender willy-nilly as alleged,” she said.
“The purchase of school furniture was meant to curb the critical shortage we were facing. Previously, Form One learners had to share chairs and some even used their laps as desks.”
Muzunze also noted that the school was under pressure from the City Council to improve hostel conditions to avoid closure, making timely procurement essential.
Audit findings revealed that the 200 mattresses, each priced at US$45, amounted to US$9 000, a figure below the US$10 000 minimum tender threshold.
This, she argued, shows there was no attempt to split purchases to bypass tender procedures.
In defending her actions, Muzunze maintained that all purchases were done transparently and in the best interests of learners’ welfare.
The audit report urged heads to follow laid down procurement procedures, especially when purchasing goods or services exceeding US$10,000. According to guidelines, they must consult the Provincial Procurement Management Unit (PMU) and ensure all purchases are budgeted for, with the budget discussed and approved by parents during an Annual General Meeting.
The approved budget must also be submitted to the Provincial Education Director. Additionally, schools are required to have an annual procurement plan and individual procurement plans to guide the quantity, timing, and method of purchases, along with the source of funding.
